• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Tutorials
    • Vintage Hairstyles
    • Knitting
    • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Sewing
  • Home
  • Knitting
    • Patterns
    • Free Vintage Patterns
    • Knit-alongs
  • Wardrobe
  • Travels
  • Contact
Tasha Could Make That

Tasha Could Make That

Vintage knitting, sewing, and a lifetime of craftiness

Knit it in Flag Colors – finished Ravellenic Games project

August 10, 2012 by Tasha 51 Comments

Well hello my friends! I know, it’s been awhile! I expected to share with you my progress on my project during the Ravellenic Games, Ravelry‘s knitting version of the Olympics that coincide with the Olympics. However, not only have I been caught up in watching the Olympics (London, you’re doing an awesome job!), I had to change my project. I started off with fair isle legwarmers for autumn, but then couldn’t watch the coverage while looking at my colorwork chart, so I pulled out a long-languishing work-in-progress sweater that I hadn’t touched since winter of 2011. I had the body knitted but no sleeves and no collar, so in the last week and a half I finished the sweater and crossed the finish line!

It’s a vintage pattern from Australian Women’s Weekly in 1942, called Knit it in Flag Colors. And though initially intended for a different flag, this project couldn’t be more appropriate for the London Olympics, don’t you think? It’s a free pattern, available here.

Here’s the original sweater:

And now for mine, knit in fingering weight yarn and a slightly looser-than-normal gauge of 6.5 spi. The body is shaped with paired increases from the ribbing to the armholes, like an inverted trapezoid (which I talked about last February in the Briar Rose KAL). My Ravelry project page is here.

Obviously, I made a few changed, including flip-flopping the red and the white (my white is actually un-dyed yarn, but looks very bright next to the blue). One fortunate occurrence of not knitting on this for a year and a half is that when I picked it back up, I realized I was trying to decide what to do about the sleeves when I last worked on it. This time around I opted for long sleeves since I almost never wear my short-sleeved knits. I was talking to Liz from zilredloh.com last week when I met up with her (incidentally, I adore her and can’t believe it’s taken this long for us to meet!!), and we commiserated with one another about this. So, long sleeves it was. (Which I knit slightly too loose at the upper arm, oops.)

I opted to carry the stripe and color changes across the sleeve cap instead of knitting the intarsia stripes up the sleeves like the original pattern. To do this for a highly patterned project, the sleeve cap has the be the same number of rows from the armhole to the cast off as the body is from the armhole to the shoulder. That means the sleeve cap is going to have a bit more ease in it, which worked perfectly if you’re into 1940s styles, because you can just gather that bit of excess up into a beautiful gathered sleeve cap. Of course that wasn’t imperative for this project since the last color change was further down my arm, but I still used the same technique.

Another alteration I made was the collar. Instead of knitting two pieces flat and then seaming them to the neckline, I simply picked up stitches (along the inside, since the collar rolls out) and knit it out from there. Instead of folding under the edges and hemming it, I used ribbing as the border and bound off very loosely. When blocking, I had to roll the collar exactly the way I wanted it to lay so that the white from the inside didn’t show at the roll line. I also took a little stitch at the very center front to get the two halves to lay perfectly butt up against one another.

I fretted about the collar color and solicited advice from friends on my Ravelry teams, and in the end I’m really glad I went with red. Blue (which I started with) was too flag looking, and white would have faded into the background.

The back has a little surprise! (Other than my messy hair.)

A four button placket! Now, remembering that I knit the body a year and a half ago, when I went to put it all together I realized my top two buttonholes were slightly closer together than the others, and I have no clue why I would have done that (unless it was on accident). But the top button is mostly hidden by the collar, so I don’t really care.

I used a hidden snap closure at the upper edge of the band so that it didn’t pull open slightly from the weight of the collar on the left side. Per the pattern, I used a double crochet stitch the edge the buttonband. These are cute little  moonglow buttons from my vintage button stash. I’m so glad I went with red buttons! I love the little ‘pop’.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with this pullover! It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but I think it will work nicely for autumn. (Crazily, it is cool enough here today that when I took photos, I actually wasn’t dying from heat like I would have been any other day this summer!)

I hope to get back to more regular blogging soon. I’ve been having a bit of style ennui which has translated into blogging ennui. I know I’ve completely failed with keeping up on my Made and Making posts, and I’ve wanted to post again for the Vintage Knitting College series for ages and haven’t pulled that together yet either. Sorry! I’ve also been really on a knitting kick, which means no sewing has happened. It all just means I haven’t had much of anything to share.

Anyway, I do hope you’re doing well and enjoy my latest knit!

 

  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • Print

Filed Under: Knitting, Vintage Wardrobe Tagged With: finished projects, ravelry, vintage knitting

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MistressCatgirl says

    August 10, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Wow that looks really great! I love the collar detail.

    Reply
  2. Jenny says

    August 10, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    It is so beautiful! Everytime I see your lovely clothing I wish I could knit as well …

    Reply
  3. Dolly Cool Clare says

    August 10, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    Love this knit! I would have also swapped the colors round like you did so there was more red in the design, and the long sleeves are much more practical than a s/s. Well done you, looks fabulous 🙂

    Reply
  4. Victoria says

    August 10, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    So, adorable! Love it, you did such a great job and how you switched the colors around really makes a statement, especially using red on the collar too! Another stand out detail are those red buttons on back.

    Reply
  5. Amanda says

    August 10, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    Beautiful! I love the button surprise! And that collar is charming!

    Reply
  6. Stephanie Lynn says

    August 10, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    Super lovely! I have a sweater that is sooo close to being finished but I’ve just not been able to bring myself to knit lately. Today is nice and cool though so it’s almost knitting season again. 🙂

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      August 10, 2012 at 7:54 pm

      I know, I can’t believe the weather here today! It’s making me pine for autumn for sure!

      Reply
  7. Lynn says

    August 10, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Sweet collar and placket! Looks great on you!

    Reply
  8. lladybird says

    August 10, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    I love this! The changes you made just give the whole thing a nice pop – and the fit is so beautiful. I don’t think I would wear short sleeve knits either, so glad you went with the longer sleeves.

    As a side note, I’m so excited to meet you & Liz when I’m in Chicago next month 😀 Yay!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      August 10, 2012 at 7:55 pm

      Yay indeed, I’m super excited!!

      Reply
  9. Jill says

    August 10, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    Oh man, I just adore the sweater. Everything about it is perfect! I’ve been knitting for a while, but never done anything like a sweater or even socks, how would you rate the difficulty of this pattern?

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      August 10, 2012 at 7:55 pm

      It’s hard to say since I made a lot of shaping modifications, but since it’s in stockinette it’s pretty straight-forward! But I can say sweaters and socks aren’t anything to be scared of, once you try you’ll be hooked. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Anna says

    August 10, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    This is just gorgeous! I much prefer your version of the horizontal stripe. Don’t think I’ve commented here before, so hello!

    Reply
  11. Frau M. says

    August 10, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    Beautiful!!!! And perfect colours!

    Reply
  12. Jenn says

    August 10, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    It looks fabulous! You do such beautiful work! This one is on my to-do list, but I’m such a slow knitter! lol!

    Reply
  13. zilredloh says

    August 10, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    I just left you a comment on your Ravelry page, but had to post one here too! 🙂

    Your jumper is so cute. I don’t think it’s boring at all! I think it looks like a classic, 40’s knit that can pair with many different “bottoms”. The long sleeves are a good choice. I’ve been debating fall knits and have purposefully set some patterns aside since they have short sleeves. It helps to chat about these things with a fellow knitter. 🙂

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      August 10, 2012 at 7:56 pm

      I really need to work on “bottoms” to wear it with, I don’t have a lot of options in my wardrobe currently! And honestly I’m soo glad I went with the long sleeves. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Trina44 says

    August 10, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    Super cute, how many sweaters do you think you have knitted?

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      August 10, 2012 at 7:56 pm

      Probably about 20 total, but there are only a handful that I wear regularly, so I’m trying to really knit things I know I want to wear a lot. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Kitty Darling says

    August 10, 2012 at 7:28 pm

    Wow, this sweater is sooo adorable! I’m just starting to learn knitting, but this will be definitely my first big project. Great!!!!

    Reply
  16. LandGirl1980 says

    August 10, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    loooooooooooooooving this!!!!

    Reply
  17. Moe says

    August 10, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    So freakin’ cute! I have such a soft spot for red, white and blue, which I think has nothing to do with patriotism, but maybe just nostalgia for things like that sweater. I love the the collar on it too. I think I may attempt to knit a sweater again this summer. I exilled myself from knitting for a while when I found myself getting too impatient, but I think I might be ready to give it another go. Especially when I have delightful inspiration from you!

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      August 13, 2012 at 3:23 pm

      Do it!!! No need to be impatient, I didn’t work on this for a year and a half. 😉 I’ll cheer you on!

      Reply
  18. Gail says

    August 10, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    That is so cute! You always make the best projects!

    Reply
  19. jeanne says

    August 10, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    This is beyond cute!

    Reply
  20. eileensbasement says

    August 10, 2012 at 10:24 pm

    Yet another winner from you! Congrats on your Olympic gold medal. I love the colors, since this combo is hands-down my favorite. It fits the theme so wonderfully. Well done!

    Reply
  21. Erin says

    August 11, 2012 at 12:31 am

    I would buy that in a heartbeat, a million times over! I wish I had your talent!

    Reply
  22. Living Vintage says

    August 11, 2012 at 4:27 am

    What a lovely sweater. I find the buttons down the back to die for.

    Reply
  23. Emma says

    August 11, 2012 at 5:44 am

    Beautiful! I like the short sleeve version, but I *really* like your long sleeved version.

    Reply
  24. Kestrel says

    August 11, 2012 at 9:02 am

    What a sweet sweater – the collar and buttons are a lovely touch

    Reply
  25. Rosesred says

    August 11, 2012 at 9:22 am

    Supercute sweater! I like your flipped colors even more than the original, and the way you finished the collar with ribbing looks great.

    Reply
  26. Elise says

    August 11, 2012 at 10:49 am

    Ooh so pretty! Totally agree about the long sleeves, short ones seem a bit pointless in the cold! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Jessica Cangiano says

    August 11, 2012 at 11:44 am

    Oh my stars, that is one absolutely marvelous handmade sweater. I adore that you opted for red, not white, on the bottom area, and think that partnering it with classic denim was a stellar choice. You look beyond lovely, dear Tasha – and will have me yearning for a vintage fitted red sweater akin to this one from here on out 🙂

    Big hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

    Reply
  28. Helen Made says

    August 11, 2012 at 6:57 pm

    Wow this sweater is amazing! I totally agree about the long sleeves too, and I love the effect of swapping the colours round

    Reply
  29. kristenmakes says

    August 12, 2012 at 9:12 am

    LOVE this! The collar and buttons are so dainty and perfect!

    Reply
  30. Andrea says

    August 12, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    I love the changes you made to this pattern especially the collar. I just frogged my version of it because I hated my color choices. I decided to go bold and do dark green, yellow and white. I should have been sensible and gone with the colors recommended. I’m rethinking the short sleeve knit. Last winter was so warm that the only handknit I wore was my Briar Rose.

    Reply
  31. BusyLizzie says

    August 13, 2012 at 2:54 am

    This is adorable, I love all the changes you made, they all work so well. Love the buttons on the back! It looks positively divine!!

    Reply
  32. Second Hand Rose says

    August 13, 2012 at 9:18 am

    I love this, it looks great! I adore the colours and I love the neckline, so cute! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  33. Tasha says

    August 13, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    Thank you so, so much everyone!! ♥

    Reply
  34. Bad Apples Becky says

    August 13, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    So cute! Thanks for sharing a link to the pattern.

    Reply
  35. nadine says

    August 14, 2012 at 11:17 am

    hi tasha, that is SOOOOO funny. a few month ago i was pretty sick and so i had a lot of time to look for knitting patterns. and found this one and decided that i will change the colours a bit – and here it is just the way you knitted it 😀 it turned out absolutely pretty – you look great in it!
    best wishes from germany
    nadine

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      August 14, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Well great minds think alike, then! 😀

      Reply
  36. Little Rascal says

    August 14, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    OMG! That’s beyond awesome!!!
    Well done!

    Reply
  37. Betty Crafter says

    August 14, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    I can’t stand it. That is just TOO CUTE! Looks lovely on you too of course 🙂

    Reply
  38. Ivy says

    August 14, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    Your hair looks great, and the sweater too! Super cute!

    http://eviestearoom.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  39. Casey says

    August 15, 2012 at 11:24 am

    I love the modifications you made to the pattern for your version–it’s better than the original, imho! 🙂 That collar just keeps drawing me in; I have a huge weakness for Peter Pan collars and a sweater featuring one would be so cute… 😀 However, must finish the dozen or so other projects on my knitting to-do list first! lol.

    Reply
  40. Ann Dolina says

    August 16, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Love the colors you choose. The yarn really has a rich depth to it. And the sweater is adorable! Love the red collar against the white.

    Reply
  41. Sarah says

    August 16, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    That sweater is absolutely to die for! I can’t wait until fall comes, I’m having a hard time knitting in heat. My genetics aren’t made for it. :p

    Reply
  42. Miss Maple says

    August 17, 2012 at 9:42 am

    Great pullover. I love the collar and the button border in the back.

    Reply
  43. Janey says

    August 17, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Oh my goodness!! This sweater is do die for! I really need to learn how to knit.

    xoxo
    -Janey

    Reply
  44. Jessica says

    August 26, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    You are too cute! I just found you from a Twitter recommendation! I love that I’m finding more vintage lovers closer to me! I’m in Eastern Tennessee. So Chicago isn’t such a stretch.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About Tasha

Welcome! If you’re into vintage style, knitting, sewing, and general craftiness, well then grab your favorite drink because you’re in the right place! I’m Tasha. Read more...

  • P

Tasha Could Be In Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

My Knitting Patterns

Vintage-inspired Royale pullover knitting pattern release

Vintage-inspired Royale pullover knitting pattern release

Wondrella cardigan - new knitting pattern!

Wondrella cardigan – new knitting pattern!

Fortesse beret - new knitting pattern

Fortesse beret – new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover - new knitting pattern

Fortesse pullover – new knitting pattern

Confidette bolero - new knitting pattern!

Confidette bolero – new knitting pattern!

Legendaire pullover hands behind head

Legendaire pullover – new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Fayne beret: new knitting pattern release

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Knitting pattern release: Sprigs and Berries

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Nisse: knitting pattern release

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Debut knitting pattern release: Victory

Categories

Some Favorites

Getting a cardigan right

Getting a cardigan right

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

Our great 1950s kitchen renovation reveal

50s topper coat for spring

50s topper coat for spring

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Epic Sweater

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

A plaid bolero, a dress, and a belt buckle walk into a bar

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Spring green batwing sleeve bolero

Topics

1940s sewing birthdays blouses briar rose knitalong butterick butterick B5895 buttons cardigans christmas clogs craftsy dresses fair isle knitting fall for cotton finished projects fitting a 1940s pullover project giveaways haircuts Hollywood 1678 jacket hollywood patterns knit for victory knitting patterns knitwear design mccall's outfits pants resizing knitting patterns reviews sew for victory sewing with knits simplicity skirts stranded knitting susan crawford tailoring vintage vintage clothing vintage hair vintage knitting vintage knitting college vintage knitting patterns vintage pledge vintage sewing vintage sewing patterns wisconsin

Posts

Footer

Tasha Could Be in Your Inbox

Yes, add me, please!

  • P
  • © Copyright 2023 Tasha Could Make That. All Rights Reserved.
  • • Privacy Policy
  • Created with ✨ by Moxie Design Studios
Scroll Up